One Word, People: WOLFCOP

It’s not unusual for alcoholic cop Lou Garou to black out and wake up in unfamiliar surroundings, but lately things have taken a strange turn. Crime scenes seem oddly familiar. Lou’s senses are heightened, and when the full moon is out, he’s a rage-fueled werewolf. Wolfcop is one cop’s quest to become a better man… One transformation at a time.

Take a minute and drink in that poster. Wolfcop. FUCKING WOLFCOP. I mean, you had me at “Wolfcop.”

I’m a sucker for pretty much anything Star Wars and I have a fondness for William Shakespeare. However, never in my wildest dreams did I think someone would combine the two! Ian Doesher has and the result is pretty humorous. I’m not sure if these will last past an initial read-through, but I’m happy they exist and have added them to this years Christmas List.

For me, synth-pop and electronica has been hit or miss. Few electronic albums turn my head and most of them annoy the hell out of me, which is why Pillar Point’s debut self-titled album is such a stand-out. The tinge of 80′s synth mixed with Scott Reitherman’s smooth, slightly processed vocals are reminiscent of early Depeche Mode, but it doesn’t feel like an experiment in nostalgia.

For me, synth-pop and electronica has been hit or miss. Few electronic albums turn my head and most of them annoy the hell out of me, which is why Pillar Point’s debut self-titled album is such a stand-out. The tinge of 80′s synth mixed with Scott Reitherman’s smooth, slightly processed vocals are reminiscent of early Depeche Mode, but it doesn’t feel like an experiment in nostalgia. Pillar Point is Scott Reitherman, with the album produced by long time collaberator Charlie Smith. The album is a departure from their past projects. “Part of what steered me toward the textures and beats of dance music was the feeling of catharsis you can experience through dance,” explains Reitherman. The upbeat sounds of Pillar Point are in direct contrast with the album’s themes of heartbreak, loneliness, aging and isolation in an increasingly connected world. This approach works fantastically, especially on the song “Eyeballs” which is a song dealing with our digital connection with people in our lives, but our disconnection with friends and loved ones in real life. Other stand out tracks include the smooth electronic grooves of “Cherry” and “Echoes.” Scott Reitherman and Charlie Smith have collaborated in the past with the indie-pop outfit Throw Me the Statue, but Reitherman considers Pillar Point his most intimate work yet. “Writing darker songs with dance elements helped me to process the confusion and change I was experiencing in my own life, because within the confines of a pop song I could control little moments of clarity and redemption,” he says. “And for the listener it adds depth to what might otherwise be just dance music.” This honesty and intimacy push each song on the album to a deeper level. It’s easy to enjoy a song for it’s tune, but discovering depth beneath the surface level elements of each song add for a richer experience. While certain tracks do stand out more than others, Pillar Point’s debut self titled album is a fantastic listen from beginning to end. Reitherman does a great job of blending a certain genuine nostalgia for 80′s Synth-pop, but goes above and beyond in still creating something new. The album’s sensibilities don’t feel like a cheap gimmick. Instead, Pillar Point is an fun, engaging and memorable introduction to a project that I hope continues for many more years. *This review originally appeared at PopSyn.com

Music Review – Pillar Point, “Pillar Point”

Music Review – Pillar Point, “Pillar Point”

2014-03-26

Sean Duregger

Pillar Point – “Pillar Point”

Album

75

Recommended

Pillar Point is an fun, engaging and memorable introduction to a project that I hope continues for many more years.

Seattle singer/songwriter Nick Foster crafts compelling folk/country songs that range dynamically from intimate acoustic to reckless blues and indie rock. He is gearing up for a busy spring, including performances at the Chinook Fest launch parties at the Crocodile Cafe in Seattle, WA on 4/4 and at the Season’s Performance Hall in Yakima, WA on 4/5. You can also listen to his song, ’Letters’ which is featured on his debut album ‘The Glowing Heart.’ Download the record for FREE for a limited time!

Jetsam-Flotsam is excited to announce the label will release Moonchaser, the debut LP from Brooklyn, NY’s Living Room this Summer. More release details + song premieres coming soon! Until then, you can check out the band’s debut EP, 2012′s Dream Journal, which is available for free download on Bandcamp.

One of my favorite comedies is getting a vinyl release of it’s soundtrack! The soundtrack to the smash hit film “Dumb and Dumber” will be available on vinyl for the first time ever on May 20 via ShopRadioCast. The double gate-fold vinyl LP is now available for pre-order here. I’m sure this is to help bolster some excitement for the sequel “Dumb and Dumber To” out in November.

I discovered Pierce The Veil in 2007 when I received the Equal Vision press release announcing their debut album, A Flair For The Dramatic which released the week of this original podcast. I was able to talk to lead singer Vic Fuentes about the album and the band. I’m glad that Pierce The Veil has continued, unlike so many of the bands I had interviewed. Now on Fearless Records, their newest album Collide With The Sky was released in 2012 and it’s their best yet. The band has also released a documentary called This Is A Wasteland documenting their most recent world tour.